DOR reports 20% jump in liquor sales receipts
On the eve of an election in which the liquor industry has claimed sales have suffered from the alcohol retail sales tax, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue reported today that alcohol sales tax receipts had soared 20 percent in October over last October. Sales jumped 18 percent in September, over last September.
“Despite the liquor industry’s claims, in a barrage of television and radio ads, that they deserve an unprecedented special tax break because of the alcohol tax, sales are, in fact, way up over last year,” said Vic DiGravio and Maryanne Frangules, co-chairs of the Committee Against Repeal of the Alcohol Tax.
Proceeds from the alcohol sales tax fund addiction prevention, treatment and recovery programs in Massachusetts.
The liquor industry has poured over $2.75 million as of October 30 into the campaign to repeal the alcohol sales tax. Forty-six states have an alcohol and excise tax.
“The entire basis of the Yes on 1 campaign is that the alcohol sales tax has hurt package store sales. That claim is simply not credible given the DOR report today. Alcohol sales receipts are up 20 percent, and the industry has $2.75 million to spend on a political campaign,” said DiGravio and Frangules.
“Voters can judge Question 1 for themselves on Election Day, but one thing is crystal clear: the fundamental argument of the alcohol tax repeal effort is factually wrong,” they added.
Is there a cite on the DOR numbers? I’d love to use this news against naysayers but I need a source.